The Josephine Bonaparte Collection: The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe, and The Last Great Dance on Earth

Paperback – October 22, 2002
1216
English
0743246217
9780743246217
21 Oct
Just in time for the holidays, here are Sandra Gulland's three gripping, historical novels based on the epic life of Josephine Bonaparte in one gorgeous package. All are works of historical fiction on a grand scale that recount a stirring, unforgettable love story.

The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. traces Josephine's early years as she leaves the exotic, lush, and remote Martinico for the heart of European society. There she meets Napoleon, whose destiny will prove to be irrevocably intertwined with hers.

Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe continues the saga as Josephine awakens to her new life as Mrs. Napoleon Bonaparte and we witness the political intrigues and personal betrayals that result in death, ruin, and victory for those closest to Josephine.

The Last Great Dance on Earth is the triumphant final volume that opens four years into the passionate yet troubled union of Josephine and Napoleon. The tumultuous times will, ultimately, drive them apart, culminating in Josephine's greatest tragedy: her divorce from Napoleon and his exile to Elba.

Reviews (22)

Excellent read you won't be disappointed, at least i wasn't!

i knew nothing about Napoleon or Josephine! Having just finished another good series, Poldark, it took me to this time period and touched on the revolution from England's point of view but my a little. I found this trilogy and bought it and am so glad i did. I love that it is written using a diary format. I didn't think I would like that but it but i think it makes it seem a little more intimate. I really have got to know Josephine aka Rose and now Napoleon. It is so well written and I would highly recommend!

History comes alive !

This is such a fantastic read! I've sent to at least 10 people over th years .. and reread it as well. It reads like you are peering into Josephine's diary .. a page turner! Does not disappoint.

A great read!

This is probably the best set of books I have read in a long time. I was so amazed that there could be an entire book about this woman and it was only at the end where she meets Napoleone. It was wondering what the first book could possibly be about that made me purchase it and I LOVED it! I could not wait to read the others and was so sad when the trilogy finally ended. The descriptions of a woman's life, and Josephine's life in particular, at this time period was fascinating. I really, really loved them. I have given the series as gifts to several women of various ages and they have all enjoyed them. Definitely one to recommend!

Worth the Wait

I ordered this collection several weeks ago, but it went wandering the labyrinth of the U.S. postal system. After a few weeks I'd given up on ever receiving it. Then, about two weeks ago, it was found, and I'm thrilled! Sandra Gulland's Josephine Bonaparte trilogy is historical fiction at its finest. Both a well-researched and well-told story, all three books are thoroughly entertaining. Rich in historical detail, Gulland's story of Josephine's life feels immediate and intimate. Unfolding gradually, but relentlessly, from one event to the next, Josephine's improbable journey from her girlhood on the Caribbean island of Martinique to Empress of France becomes inevitable. I gladly recommend this collection to anyone interested in French history, Josephine, Napoleon, or just a really good story.

BETTER WORLD IS THE BEST!

Thrilled with these books. They arrived in great condition and very quickly !

Superb

This is a captivating and tactile series. Ms. Gulland obviously put an enormous amount of research into the books, and they are a great primer for the events surrounding the French revolution. The history, however, is a subtle bonus; the facts and historical figures are woven effortlessly into a rich narrative as told from Josephine's point of view. A friend passed this gem on to me, and everyone I know who has read it since ended up reading late into the night, entranced by the story. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.

Well written. Finished in one or two sittings, ...

Well written. Finished in one or two sittings, as opposed to chill out and relax a bit book. I have added a new author to my collection, and she has added a new fan.

Josephine

For Bonaparte lovers, whether it be Josephine or Napoleon, this is a fabulously informative collection. The books are delightfully descriptive and the information well sourced. The collection is a wonderful set to purchase, especially for those quiet mornings, holidays etc.., as it is an easy read, even though the days of the Napoleonic era were full of intrigues and much deceit. The books take you to another time and very much into the minds of those being written about, this in my view can only be achieved by an Author who has researched and has a passion for the chosen topic. Do buy this collection, as you will not be disappointed.

Best historical fiction I have ever read!

These were three of the best historical fiction I have ever read! This is a must if you enjoy historical fiction. Written so well and so interesting I could not put any of them down! I was sad when I finished them....READ THEM!

I absolutely loved this series and read them all quickly and consecutively

I absolutely loved this series and read them all quickly and consecutively. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction. It was informative and personal being told in the first person.

Excellent read you won't be disappointed, at least i wasn't!

i knew nothing about Napoleon or Josephine! Having just finished another good series, Poldark, it took me to this time period and touched on the revolution from England's point of view but my a little. I found this trilogy and bought it and am so glad i did. I love that it is written using a diary format. I didn't think I would like that but it but i think it makes it seem a little more intimate. I really have got to know Josephine aka Rose and now Napoleon. It is so well written and I would highly recommend!

History comes alive !

This is such a fantastic read! I've sent to at least 10 people over th years .. and reread it as well. It reads like you are peering into Josephine's diary .. a page turner! Does not disappoint.

A great read!

This is probably the best set of books I have read in a long time. I was so amazed that there could be an entire book about this woman and it was only at the end where she meets Napoleone. It was wondering what the first book could possibly be about that made me purchase it and I LOVED it! I could not wait to read the others and was so sad when the trilogy finally ended. The descriptions of a woman's life, and Josephine's life in particular, at this time period was fascinating. I really, really loved them. I have given the series as gifts to several women of various ages and they have all enjoyed them. Definitely one to recommend!

Worth the Wait

I ordered this collection several weeks ago, but it went wandering the labyrinth of the U.S. postal system. After a few weeks I'd given up on ever receiving it. Then, about two weeks ago, it was found, and I'm thrilled! Sandra Gulland's Josephine Bonaparte trilogy is historical fiction at its finest. Both a well-researched and well-told story, all three books are thoroughly entertaining. Rich in historical detail, Gulland's story of Josephine's life feels immediate and intimate. Unfolding gradually, but relentlessly, from one event to the next, Josephine's improbable journey from her girlhood on the Caribbean island of Martinique to Empress of France becomes inevitable. I gladly recommend this collection to anyone interested in French history, Josephine, Napoleon, or just a really good story.

BETTER WORLD IS THE BEST!

Thrilled with these books. They arrived in great condition and very quickly !

Superb

This is a captivating and tactile series. Ms. Gulland obviously put an enormous amount of research into the books, and they are a great primer for the events surrounding the French revolution. The history, however, is a subtle bonus; the facts and historical figures are woven effortlessly into a rich narrative as told from Josephine's point of view. A friend passed this gem on to me, and everyone I know who has read it since ended up reading late into the night, entranced by the story. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.

Well written. Finished in one or two sittings, ...

Well written. Finished in one or two sittings, as opposed to chill out and relax a bit book. I have added a new author to my collection, and she has added a new fan.

Josephine

For Bonaparte lovers, whether it be Josephine or Napoleon, this is a fabulously informative collection. The books are delightfully descriptive and the information well sourced. The collection is a wonderful set to purchase, especially for those quiet mornings, holidays etc.., as it is an easy read, even though the days of the Napoleonic era were full of intrigues and much deceit. The books take you to another time and very much into the minds of those being written about, this in my view can only be achieved by an Author who has researched and has a passion for the chosen topic. Do buy this collection, as you will not be disappointed.

Best historical fiction I have ever read!

These were three of the best historical fiction I have ever read! This is a must if you enjoy historical fiction. Written so well and so interesting I could not put any of them down! I was sad when I finished them....READ THEM!

I absolutely loved this series and read them all quickly and consecutively

I absolutely loved this series and read them all quickly and consecutively. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction. It was informative and personal being told in the first person.

Smooth and feminine

The Trilogy was a very sympathetic account of Josephine's life written in a very smooth and readable style. The thee books read like one book. The style had a very feminine feel as it emphasized the emotions of the events that took place. I enjoyed the books tremendously.

Five Stars

One of my new favorites!

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